Development research aims to inform evidence-based policymaking and engage society to ensure accountable government. By advocating development research outcomes, researchers aim to influence policymakers to adopt policies that will unlock economic development potential. And discovering new options for growth and finding new pathways towards achieving equity can empower the marginalised. In other words, as Fred Carden says, development research hasbetter governance as its goal.

The mechanisms through which development research may achieve its goals depend on a complex dynamic between the demand side and supply side of the equation. Demand for new knowledge is influenced by policy or the political setting that shapes constraints and opportunities for researchers to influence policymaking.

On the supply side, the very process of research, discovery of new policy choices and framing new policy questions, or the reframing of familiar problems, provides new solutions to development issues. Through fruitful interchange, researchers and policymakers both benefit. Research findings can have real benefit for society, while policymakers are presented with a supply of evidence-based options to react in timely fashion and be more responsive to policy problems.

In most countries, however, policymaking is generally routine and incremental. This affects factors that determine demand for innovative new ideas and solutions. Routine policymaking favours policy advice that supports current policy and opinion, while incremental change may have short-term priorities to address issues of the here and now. This then runs the risk of “big-question” research and work, which may have course-changing implications for policymaking, being ignored.

When research fundamentally raises questions regarding current policy directions, researchers may well come up against resistance. They should nonetheless continue to disseminate information and build reputations by informing routine and incremental policymaking. As regime and policy change may be achieved only over the long term, researchers should bide their time and develop capacity among policymakers and slowly expand their horizons. The patient support of and slow diffusion of policy ideas to policymakers may well pay off in the long run as minds open up and attitudes change. Back to DRUSSA Network News.

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